14 June 2024
The week of 16-22 June marks National Volunteer Week and Harbour Hospice will be taking the opportunity to celebrate and thank its army of 1200 volunteers.
“In the past year our volunteers gave more than 151,000 hours of their time and because of their dedication we were able to care for 1330 patients and their families and whānau in our community,” Harbour Hospice Chief Executive Jan Nichols says.
“Volunteers are integral to the delivery of our services. Whether they provide direct contact and care for our patients and families or contribute in our shops, kitchens, gardens, reception areas, through fundraising or flower arranging for us, or in other ways, their combined efforts make a real and tangible difference. Without the support of our volunteers, we simply couldn’t do what we do and we are very grateful to each of them for the time, energy and skills they give.”
Towards the end of July 148 of these kindhearted individuals will be recognised at Harbour Hospice’s annual Long Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30 years of service.
The reasons behind their dedication are as varied as the roles they take up with hospice, Jan says. “Through volunteering with hospice people might find friendship or camaraderie, a sense of purpose, or an avenue in which they can keep utilising some of the skills they’ve built up over a lifetime. Many have been touched by hospice personally and want to “give back”. Whatever their reason, their contribution makes a meaningful difference to the lives of our patients and their families and whānau. We are very lucky to have them.”
If you’d like to volunteer for Harbour Hospice please email volunteer@harbourhospice.org.nz
